So Many Reasons To Visit This Historical Section
Welcome to the Toronto Carpet Factory. A full city block that was once home to Toronto’s oldest factories. Much like the distillery district, it holds an iconic part of our industrial past.
Made of 320,000 square feet or a 4-acre block of history in Liberty Village, these old factory streets are really cool to check out and explore, taking one through its original, industrial cobblestone alleyways, once used to transport wool, cotton and industrial supplies along the railways that still line its maze of narrow lanes today.
1899, You Say?
Exactly how far back do the roots of this factory go? 1899 to be exact. when the factory was considered state of the art at the time.
Great Food.
There are a couple stops you’ll want to hit while exploring its history. First off? “The School’s brunch restaurant with their fun menu offering hits like “kicked out of class cocktails” and “the hall monitor” sandwich. A popular brunch spot.
Up next, Caffino Ristorante serving classic Italian dishes. It’s not lost on Caffino to embrace the building’s historic architecture with hardwood floors, sandblasted brick walls and heavy timber and column constructions.
The Carpet Factory’s expansive, arched windows decorate the exterior buildings that are marvellously accented by elegant stone and wrought iron features with tendrils of ivy climbing upward, weaving themselves gently across the weathered, rough surface.
So What Exactly Did They Manufacture?
The factory was built to construct ingrain and chenile carpets, but during World War I and II, the factory quickly responded to the government’s request by producing Canada’s first army blankets and khaki cloth used for uniforms.
What Is it Now?
The complex is now a lively community with over 100 creative and professional businesses, making it one of Liberty Village’s flagship properties. What type of offices call the Toronto Carpet Factory their workspace? Mostly creative professionals such as film houses, marketing agencies, software developers, architects and boutique law firms.
With an interesting piece of artwork reminiscent of the 1950’s railcars used to transport its needs in a spot high above ground level, visitors are drawn to experience this section of Toronto that continues to be an ambassador to our rich history blended with modern creative energy in Liberty Village’s trendy neighbourhood.